Take Advantage of the USDA Home Loan
Posted by Cary_Agent
Why You Should Choose USDA to Finance Your North Carolinian Home
The economy may be bust, but that doesn’t mean that the American dream of homeownership is dead. Many in North Carolina still seek to purchase a house of their own; however, tighter lending guidelines have made it more difficult, if not impossible, for many to do so.
For the countless Americans struggling to secure financing, there are several government backed lending programs designed to make purchasing a home affordable. In addition to FHA, the government also offers the USDA home loan program which many are unaware of. In fact, of the 50 million who were eligible for the program last year, only 150,000 took advantage of it.
Isn’t a USDA Home Loan Just for Rural Areas?
While North Carolina may have its fair share of rural areas, not everyone is eager to live in them. Traditionally, the USDA home loan program was designed to help those wishing to purchase a home in a rural area. Today, however, the program covers a much larger area, and even homes on the outskirts of metro areas such as Raleigh/ Durham are eligible.
What are the Benefits of the Program?
The USDA Home Loan Program is backed 100 percent by the US Department of Agriculture. For borrowers, this means that they are eligible for benefits that they would normally be unable to obtain. Such benefits include:
- Zero or limited down payment required
- Regulated closing costs
- No mortgage insurance required
- Competitive interest rates
Who is Eligible for a USDA Loan?
To ensure potential borrowers have the strongest likelihood of approval, the USDA loan requirements are some of the most lenient eligibility requirements of any lending program. To become eligible for a USDA home loan, prospective borrowers must:
- Select to purchase a home within an eligible USDA area
- Have adequate income to support monthly mortgage payments
- Have an income within area’s median range
The USDA program caters to those with greater financial need; however, most lenders will still require potential borrowers to have a credit score of a least 620 to obtain financing. Although 620 is a mid-range credit score, if you feel that your income level or credit history may make you ineligible for this type of loan, you are still encouraged to speak with a USDA loan specialist and apply.
Guest Author: Kevin Pearia
Content Director at USDALoans.com
USDA home loansExperience Raleigh’s Rich, Historic Past: Visit the North Carolina State Capitol Building
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
You don’t have to be a historian or architect to appreciate the remarkable design of the North Carolina state capitol in Raleigh. It’s a wonderful example of Greek revival architecture that once was the seat of the state’s government. The building features a spectacular marble statue of George Washington, and is one of the best-preserved and finest examples of a major civic building in the state.
The Capitol’s Early History
The Capitol is constructed from local stone, and was a replacement for the original brick and stucco building that was destroyed by fire in 1831. A Scotsman, David Paton, who also was the supervising architect, is believed to have designed much of the building’s interior. Alexander Jackson Davis and Ithiel Town served as the principal architects. The final cost of the building exceeded $500,000, which, in 1840, was six times North Carolina’s revenue. A unique railway with wooden tracks was used to haul stone for the project, with mules providing the power to pull the cars.
More about the Capitol’s Features
The building has a rough cruciform (cross-shaped) design that’s three stories in height. A spectacular copper dome is one of the Capitol’s most notable features. Inside, there’s a large central rotunda that’s open from the top of the dome to floor level, providing an expansive look and feel. Two other large rooms house the Senate and House of Representatives, and are a full two stories high. The building stands in the center of Capitol Square, which is one of the five squares specified in the original plan that dates back to 1792. Calculated to lend a sense of importance, permanence, and formality to the main building, the Capitol is surrounded by public monuments and large trees. Landscaped by the renowned Olmstead brothers in the 20th century, Capitol Square is designed to inspire civic pride.
The Capitol Today
The Capitol housed all branches of North Carolina state government until 1888, when the Supreme Court moved into a building dedicated to its exclusive use. The General Assembly met in the Capitol until 1963. That year, it relocated to a separate building. Today, the Capitol still houses the offices of the Governor and Secretary of State. Although there have been periodic clamors to remodel and renovate the building, few actual changes have occured, except for the restoration of the original House and Senate chambers. Today, the Capitol is designated a Raleigh historic landmark. Admission is free, and guided tours are available.
Trees and Gardens in Raleigh, NC: The JC Raulston Arboretum
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
If you’re looking for a unique experience in the Raleigh-Durham region, then plan to spend a day at the spectacular JC Raulston arboretum, located on the North Carolina State University campus. The arboretum is part of the school’s department of horticultural services, covers 8 acres, and contains over 5,000 species and cultivars. Other features on the site include a spectacular rose garden, and another garden that’s a great example of English-style horticulture. The arboretum itself includes many native species, and its exhibits display boxwoods, magnolias, buckeyes, and bamboo. It’s also acclaimed for its extensive collection of plants that have been adapted specifically for landscape use in the southeast US. A wide variety of plants are collected, evaluated, and developed under the arboretum’s mandate to find the best plants to use in landscapes in the South.
The Ruby C. McSwain Education Center
This is an exceptional facility that’s dedicated to supporting and enhancing the educational activities at the arboretum. The center houses the headquarters of the Garden Club of North Carolina, an auditorium, staff offices, a volunteer office, and a membership office. Surrounded by spectacular research and teaching gardens, the McSwain Education Center is home to the Asian Valley garden, the Scree garden, the Xeric garden, and the Contemplation garden. There’s also a beautiful perennial border garden that connects to the arboretum’s unique rooftop terrace that features the first green roof at the university. The center has a sustainable design that uses efficient geothermal wells to heat and cool the facility. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal systems are capable of reducing energy consumption by as much as 72%, when compared to conventional systems.
Informative Classes for Home Gardeners
The arboretum offers ongoing educational programs for all ages. One that’s very popular is the year-long class entitled “The Year in Trees and Shrub, Etc.” This course examines trees and shrubs at the arboretum over a period of 12 months, and allows students to observe how these plants change with the seasons. The class emphasizes plants that are readily available to home gardeners, and demonstrates in detail how to use and care for them in everyday garden design.
Admission to the JC Raulston Arboretum is free, and the facility is open year-round. Parking also is free, and no-charge tours are available.
“Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan Set for Raleigh Appearance
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Have you ever wished your dog was better trained? Or do you have a difficult dog that seems too aggressive, scared, compulsive, lazy, or just plain untrainable? Then plan to be at the Progress Energy Center Raleigh Memorial Auditorium on October 1, 2011, for an appearance by Cesar Millan, star of the hit TV series “Dog Whisperer” on the National Geographic channel. Before you give up on that animal, listen to what Cesar has to say — both you and your dog are likely to benefit. In fact, Cesar has helped many people realize that they, and not their dogs, are a big part of the problem.
About Cesar’s Approach
If you’ve ever seen the show, then you know that Cesar’s method is to rehabilitate both the dog and the owner. Like many other couples, dogs and their owners aren’t always well matched. Cesar seeks to redefine their relationship, so that it’s beneficial to each of them. Cesar’s tutelage is calm, but assertive. Viewers of the show discover that it’s often the owner who needs more training and guidance than the dog. With great patience, Cesar transforms both the dog and the owner, recreating their relationship in terms both can live with.
A Last, Best Hope for Some Dogs
Cesar often is the last hope for dog owners, many of whom see euthanising their animals as the only option. He works with dogs and their owners, usually in and near their homes. For the most difficult cases, he often takes the animals to his “Dog Psychology Center for Power of the Pack” for training. At the center, there can be as many as 50 dogs whose only alternative once was death. His resident dogs actually assist Cesar in rehabilitating his newer charges.
Cesar’s Philosophy
Cesar believes that dogs need mental stimulation and exposure to new things to be truly fulfilled. He works with both owners and dogs to find ways to exploit dogs’ most basic, natural instincts, and to bring out the best in them. For example, walking your dog gives you a great opportunity to bond with the animal. Play sessions are even more effective because owners can challenge their dogs in a positive way that will enrich both their lives and further deepen the bond. A productive play session has a focus that includes a mental component, along with the simply physical act of playing. This helps to channel the dog’s energy in a meaningful way.
To bring out the best in both you and your dog, don’t miss Cesar Millan’s appearance in Raleigh.
“Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro to Appear in Raleigh
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Hey foodies! Have you ever wished you could bake cakes and decorate them like the pros? Do you need some inspiration for that special occasion dessert? Then plan to be at the Progress Energy Center Raleigh Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, NC on Friday, November 4, 2011, for an appearance by renowned pastry chef Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series, “Cake Boss.”
Buddy’s Roots: Family and Carlo’s Bakery
Buddy’s decidedly brash style and remarkable talent have catapulted him into nation-wide popularity. Now on tour, Buddy brings his one-of-a-kind approach for producing elegant and unique showpiece cakes to audiences everywhere. An accomplished, 4th-generation baker, Buddy was born in Hoboken NJ. Eventually taking his place in the family-owned Carlo’s Bakery, Buddy has nurtured and expanded the business with delicious confections and great customer service. Buddy apprenticed under the watchful eye of his father, himself a master baker. Together, the Valastro team of father and son dreamed of expanding the bakery far beyond its humble roots in Hoboken.
Dreams Do Come True
When Buddy’s dad died, leaving him to run the bakery with the help of his family, Buddy’s talent really began to shine. Using the perfect combination of old world recipes with all the newest baking techniques and equipment, Buddy has taken Carlo’s Bakery far beyond his father’s dreams. Himself an accomplished decorator and sugar artist, Buddy now operates from his new bakery, a 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. His award-winning confections have been featured prominently in bridal and baking magazines, and the bakery has been the subject of articles in newspapers like the New York Times. He’s also appeared on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The View,” and the HBO hit series, “The Sopranos.”
A True American Success Story
Today, Buddy often is asked to demonstrate and share his skills at venues all over the country. He’s created one-of-a-kind artistic cake masterpieces for innumerable events, large and small. At the heart of Buddy’s craft is his commitment to producing high-quality products using time-honored methods — a decidedly modern take on traditional cakes and pastries. His generous, ebullient spirit is evident in his baked creations. Though he’s sometimes outspoken, Buddy’s heart is big. His appearance in Raleigh is certain to be highly entertaining. An event not to be missed!
A Great Day Trip in the Raleigh, NC Region: The Haywood Hall House
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
There’s no doubt that there’s a rich architectural heritage in North Carolina. With ante-bellum mansions, as well as interesting and unique buildings from every era, the region has plenty of places to explore. One such place is Haywood Hall, a wonderful house surrounded by lush, well-maintained gardens.
Haywood Hall House: Background
John Haywood was North Carolina’s first elected state treasurer, and Raleigh’s first mayor. He built this classic frame home in 1799 for his family. The house features Federal-style architecture, and was owned by his family until 1977, when both the building and furnishings were acquired by the National Society of the Colonial Dames (NSCDA), by way of the will of Mrs. Mary Haywood Fowle Stearns. Mrs. Stearns stipulated that the property be used for the “enjoyment of the community,” and her gift was intended to promote a greater understanding of the history of both North Carolina and Raleigh. Admission to the site is free.
Haywood Hall House: History
Haywood Hall remained in the Haywood family for over 175 years. The last owner, Mrs. Mary Haywood Fowle Stearns, who died in 1977, left the house to The National Society of Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) in North Carolina. In accordance with the instructions of her will, Haywood Hall has been put to adaptive use for all to enjoy, and its mission is to promote greater understanding of the history of North Carolina and of Raleigh, the state’s capital city.
Haywood Hall House: Provenance
The house was the first to be built within Raleigh’s city limits. It’s the oldest house on its original site in the city. There were a number of outbuildings on the site, including servants’ quarters, barn, kitchen and smoke house, gazebo, and privy. At Haywood Hall House, you’ll find a remarkable collection of family portraits, period furnishings, and an interesting doll collection. The house is on the National Park Service’s Nation Register of Historic Places, and also is an officially-designated North Carolina state historic site. Finally, it’s accredited by NSCDA Museum Properties.
Be sure to visit this beautiful property, which is truly a gem in the Raleigh-Durham region.
Crowder District Park: An Ideal Blend of Recreation and Education
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Families looking for an outdoor experience that both teaches and inspires are sure to find Crowder District Park in the Raleigh, NC region a perfect destination. Crowder District Park came into existence by way of a generous donation 33 acres of prime land by the late Doris Pierce Crowder of Durham. The park has a staff of naturalists who offer hands-on programs about the environment, covers 33 acres, and has a well-developed and well-maintained system of trails.
Crowder Pond and the Gardens
Some of the sights you’ll see along the way are Crowder Pond and beautiful gardens. Crowder Pond is a good example of an aquatic habitat, and is a base for the park’s water quality education programs. The gardens can be found along some of the trails, and each has a distinct focus or purpose. For example, there’s a bird garden, a prairie garden, a theme garden, and the always-popular butterfly garden. This garden is planted with species of plants that are known to attract butterflies, and is a great place to get inspiration for creating your own backyard butterfly habitat. The theme garden changes every year. This year, the theme was chosen by school children, and features plants and flowers that appeal to the senses.
The Observation Deck
The park also has an observation deck that provides a great view of the pond and the surrounding wildlife habitats. Unfortunately, due to its small size, the pond isn’t suitable for fishing, which is prohibited. Other features in the park include the paved Outer Loop Trail that winds along the edge of the park for about eight-tenths of a mile. This is a very scenic trail that passes by the bird garden, the prairie garden, the theme garden, and the heron shelter. The Inner Loop Trail, circles the pond, and passes along the boardwalk. The trail also includes the observation deck, and is about three-tenths of a mile in length.
Picnic Areas and Playgrounds
There are three covered picnic shelters, each with a charcoal grill and playground access. The open play area is a great place for kids, and features a baseball backstop and a sand volleyball court. Entrance to the park is free. Currently the reaches as many as 200,000 people of all ages through its education and outreach programs.
Crowder Park has been in operation since 1998, and is a noteworthy destination in the region.
Blue Jay Point County Park: Plenty to Do and See
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
The Raleigh, NC area certainly doesn’t lack attractions and events that are family-friendly. Sometimes, though, you just want to slow things down, and enjoy a quiet day in the park. The perfect place to relax and enjoy a beautiful natural setting is Blue Jay Point County Park. This is a 230-acre site that’s full of things to do and see. It also has about 3 acres reserved for playgrounds, play fields, an environmental education center, and an overnight lodge.
About Blue Jay Point
Blue Jay Point is a peninsula that’s bordered on three sides by pristine Falls Lake, the primary source of Raleigh’s drinking water. The park has an extensive 5-mile network of hiking and walking trails. There’s even an interactive walking experience available on Azalea Loop, where you can pick up an informative guide that corresponds to numbered posts along the trail. Blue Jay Point also is connected to the state’s popular Falls Lake Trail, offering extended hiking opportunities. Be aware, though, that mountain bikes are not allowed on the park’s trail system.
Gardens and Study Pond
Another attraction within the park is the gardens and study pond. There, visitors can get ideas for creating their own backyard wildlife habitats, complete with native trees and plants. The gardens and pond are the staging area for many of the park’s other environmental education programs. The main environment focus, though, is at the Blue Jay Center for environmental education. The center houses several interesting and inspiring exhibits, including one that focuses on the area’s water resources, like the Neuse River basin and the Falls Lake watershed. The exhibits aim to education and inform, and to spur visitors to act to preserve these valuable resources.
Blue Jay Center
Blue Jay Center features two unique indoor classrooms, as well as the Nature Discovery Room, where visitors can get an in-depth look at the natural habitats found in the park. There are plenty of fishing opportunities in the park as well, making it a great place for informal bank fishing. It’s important to note that all North Carolina inland freshwater fishing regulations apply, including the requirement for everyone over the age of 16 to have a fishing license issued by the state. Also, be aware that no collection, removal, or release of any animal, plant or mineral material is allowed in the park.
For an informative and entertaining excursion, make Blue Jay Point County Park a preferred destination.
Raleigh’s Cultural Heritage: Carolina Ballet
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Did you know that the Raleigh region is host to one of the top ballet companies in America? Carolina Ballet has won many accolades, national and international, helping to fulfil its mission to enrich the quality of life in Raleigh and in vibrant suburbs like Cary. Carolina Ballet is dedicated to performing world-class professional ballet that uplifts, enlightens and entertains a wide range of audiences in the region, and beyond.
Carolina Ballet’s Mission and Goals
This ballet company is committed to presenting traditional ballets crafted by legendary masters. It strives to recognize new talents by commissioning works from innovative choreographers. The ballet also has a strong educational component, which seeks to raise awareness in current and future audiences with programs for school-aged children, along with other outreach activities. Carolina Ballet’s commitment to excellence is reflected in activities that are designed to attract, develop, and retain highly talented dancers, and the artistic personnel that supports them. Known for its fiscally responsible management and enlightened board of directors, the company has created a perfect, but delicate balance, between art and economic reality.
The Company’s Season Highlights
With a carefully crafted schedule of performances designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, Carolina Ballet performances range from Stravinsky’s classic Firebird to Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. For younger audiences, there are productions of Pinocchio and The Ugly Duckling. The classic Carmen is on tap as well. Innovative performances of Monet Impressions and Dracula round out the schedule.
About Carolina Ballet
The company has blossomed under the deft guidance of artistic director Robert Weiss, along with sound management, and strong, deep-rooted community support. These factors have converged to make Carolina Ballet an important contributor to the quality of life in the Raleigh region. Weiss is an energetic leader who has presented more than 72 new works in Carolina Ballet’s first 12 seasons, more than any other ballet company in the United States, except for New York City Ballet. The 13th season promises to be spectacular, with five world premieres by Weiss, along with principal guest choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and principal dancers Timour Bourtasenkov and Attila Bongar.
Information about becoming a subscriber is available by calling the Carolina Ballet box office at (919) 719-0900, or online at www.carolinaballet.com. There are many benefits to being a subscriber, including the opportunity to purchase tickets for performances before they go on sale to the public.
Raleigh Region Rated as One of the Top 6 Places for Business and Careers
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
July 2011 – According to Forbes.com, Raleigh NC tops their list of places with the most jobs and lowest cost of doing business. The annual list, entitled “Best Places For Business And Careers,” is a result of an evaluation of 200 metropolitan areas, which includes key factors like current and projected job growth, living and business costs, income growth, projected economic growth, and educational attainment. In fact, the Raleigh region tops the Forbes list, thanks, in part, to its high level of entrepreneurial activity and strong educational infrastructure. Other factors that influenced the rating include business costs that are 18% below the national average and a well-educated work force, 42% of which has a college degree. These factors combine to make the Raleigh region a very attractive place for large employers like Progress Energy and First Citizens Bank.
Reasons for the Region’s Success
People are flocking to Raleigh, and suburbs like Cary, in significant numbers. The net migration rate to the region has been the second highest in the US over the past 5 years. It doesn’t hurt that Raleigh is the state capital, so there are plenty of secure public-sector jobs available as well. When creating the ranking, Forbes also considers quality of life issues like recreational opportunities, cultural activities, and crime rates. Educational opportunities also are factored in, and this helped the region rise to the top of the ranking, due to the large number of highly ranked colleges and universities, including University of North Carolina, Duke University and North Carolina State. In addition, the Raleigh area has a strong and vibrant primary and secondary public education system.
Look to the Heartland
In recent years, recession has wiped out more than 9 million jobs in the US. Many of those jobs will never return, so any region that’s actively creating new jobs has a distinct advantage. Raleigh is one of those areas. Over 80% of the listings in the Best Places for Business and Careers list are located in the nation’s heartland, which seems to be thriving while traditional centers like the east and west coasts, along with large cities like New York and Los Angeles, continue to decline. The Raleigh area has an active and flourishing cultural life as well. The Progress Energy Center Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the Raleigh Little Theater, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and many more contribute a strong dimension to the region.
With so much to recommend it, the Raleigh area is a great place to live and work.